There is a scarcity of historical information about Otterford, being a small parish and of no significance historically.

It is the history of a scattered hill community, comprised of small farms tenanted by "men of no capital". It formed part of the great manor of Taunton Deane which was held by the Bishop of Winchester for over 900 years.

The three extracts cover:

• lime burning in the 19th century.
• The abundance of water mills on which a rural economy depend.
• Otterhead estate, created by men of rank and wealth following the break up of the Manor of Taunton Deane in the early part of the 19th century.